Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 53: To ask the Minister for Transport the steps he has taken to address the problems with the National Vehicle Driver File that resulted in allegedly as many as 50,000 drivers failing to be informed that their vehicles are due for a national car test; if he will review and reform the general operation of the National Vehicle Driver File; if he is satisfied with the data protection system of the NVDF in view of recent serious breaches of personal data protection in other Departments; the number and the other agencies or Departments with which information on the NVDF is shared; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32536/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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As I have indicated previously, I am satisfied that the data on the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) is accurate and fit for purpose for regulating drivers and vehicles. To further improve data accuracy in relation to motor vehicle ownership, we extended our on-line services in June last to enable approved motor dealers notify the NVDF system about the purchase and sale of vehicles over the internet. Where this facility is used, the new ownership particulars are recorded on the NVDF system within 24 hours of the dealer notifying the change. Returns show that the system is operating very well and at this relatively early stage some 20% of overall change of ownership notices are notified through this channel. Nearly 250 motor dealers are now using the facility and it is estimated that they account for about 40% of transactions which involve motor dealers. The website www.motortrans.ie provides the facility for dealers to apply to use the facility.

There are also arrangements in place with the operators of the dedicated website www.newaddress.ie whereby changes of address for driving licence and motor tax purposes are notified to the NVDF through that channel and a significant number of changes are captured in that way. The NVDF contains personal data relating to drivers and vehicles which is highly sensitive and confidential and I am satisfied that best practice is applied in relation to the security of the data and the arrangements covering its release to other parties. Section 60 of the Finance Act, 1993, as amended provides for access to NVDF data by Government Departments/Offices licensing (vehicle registration, motor tax and driver licensing) authorities in Ireland and other Member States of the EU, the Revenue Commissioners, An Garda Síochána and such other persons as may be prescribed.

The following are prescribed, for the purposes of Section 60 of the Finance 1993, to receive NVDF data including personal information: Local Authorities; Road Safety Authority, National Car Testing Services, Motor Importers and Distributors (vehicle safety recalls), Motor Insurance Bureau, An Post, Eirtrade Services Ltd. and motor insurers. In addition the Private Security Authority, the Pensions Ombudsman, the National Employment Rights Authority and road toll operators obtain NVDF data through specific legislative frameworks. There are also arrangements in place to supply vehicle data without personal details to Auto Records Ltd., T/A Cartell, The Society of the Irish Motor Industry, insurers, MoneyMate and Aspen Connect.

Since the commencement of the national car testing system data from the NVDF is supplied to National Car Testing Services (NCTS) to assist with the operations of that company in relation to the testing of private cars. All aspects relating to the day to day operation of the car testing service including the issuing of test reminders are a matter for NCTS. I understand however that NVDF data quality is not the reason for NCTS not issuing reminders to vehicle owners prior to test due date. Insofar as the NVDF/NCT electronic interface is concerned, necessary adjustments to the NVDF computer programs to improve and streamline the data transfer arrangements generally have been made and are now operational. I am completely satisfied that there are no underlying problems with quality of data on the NVDF.